Grant: Project Grant

Parental leave policies provide time off work after childbirth and play an important role in supporting families and health. Research shows that paid leave improves short-term outcomes, such as reducing postpartum depression, lowering maternal hospital readmissions, and supporting early child development. However, we know much less about the long-term health effects of parental leave and whether it helps reduce health inequalities. In 2000, Canada extended paid parental leave to one year. In 2017, families were given the option to take leave over a longer period (up to 18 months) at a lower monthly payment. However, access to parental leave is not equal. Higher-income parents may be more likely to take full leave benefits, while those in unstable or low-paid work, especially without employer top-ups, may not be able to afford to do so. This may contribute to ongoing health disparities between families. Canada's policy changes in 2000 and 2017 provide an opportunity to study how longer leave affects the health of mothers, partners, and children over time. This study will examine how the 2000 reform affected mothers' physical and mental health in both the short and long term, including depression, hospital stays, and overall health years after childbirth. It will also assess how the 2000 and 2017 reforms influenced children's early development and their health through adolescence and early adulthood. Finally, the study will also explore whether families who took longer leave after the 2017 reform experienced better mental health and fewer hospitalizations, and whether these benefits differed depending on income and employment conditions. By linking national administrative, survey, and health data, this research will provide strong evidence about whether parental leave improves long-term health and reduces health inequities. The findings will help inform policies so that all families can benefit from parental leave, regardless of income or job type.